So you need to exercise but you just can’t get motivated, or can’t find the perfect place for you. Well, you are not alone. Motivation is the most important factor when developing a plan to work out, and choosing the right gym is sometimes hard to do. “It is like a puzzle” says Kerry Paulson, a former owner and operator of gyms in San Diego. “The member needs to do what they enjoy doing, and the rest just falls into place. To compound the problem, most people don’t even know what’s out there, or are afraid to try the very activities that they would love, and motivate them to exercise.”

Pointers to help you find the Right Gym

So here are a few pointers. Hopefully they will guide you to the sweet spot, that club that will combine fun with exercise, and lead you to the promised land. That’s where you finally trim and tone your body, relax your mind, and extend your life.

If you are motivated by state of the art equipment, and advanced video technology, you are a prime candidate for numerous gyms in San Diego, ranging from the upscale “FIT Athletic Club,” to the more common and ubiquitous 24 Hour Fitness and LA Fitness. These clubs also have numerous cardio classes, personal trainers, and loads of resistance machines and free weights. There are also the smaller, more boutique facilities, such as “Balanced Fitness and Health” located downtown. There you receive the special attention you would expect from an upscale but smaller facility, all in a family atmosphere.

MMA Based Gyms are Fun

If you are tired and not too motivated by the “run of the mill” franchise type clubs, and want something new and more exciting, you might be a good candidate for one of the more fun and unique MMA based gyms, also called Mixed Martial Arts type Facilities. Clubs like “Victory MMA and Fitness” in Point Loma lead San Diego in this area, with a unique 22,000 sq. ft. facility that offers an abundance of classes for beginner to advanced members. Here you enjoy a wide variety of high energy, non-contact classes set to motivating music, and actually learn fighting techniques.

The same instructors that train cage fighters motivate you to learn and burn, with no time for lackadaisical meandering or looking into the mirror to admire yourself. Victory MMA also has the normal health club amenities like cardio equipment and weights, but the draw is the abundance of highly motivating classes in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and Grappling, as well as CrossFit, Boot Camp classes, and Yoga. Another draw and bonding factor are the relationships developed with fellow members and the world class instructors, affectionately called “Coach” by the members.

“Studio Type” Gyms can be Highly Motivating

Also different and intense are the “Studio Type” facilities, such as Breakaway Cycle in La Jolla, and Pilates Plus in Pacific Beach. These are more one dimensional facilities, but are highly motivating, and will kick your proverbial butt to boot. These smaller intense group workouts also create a deep bond with fellow members and the instructor, further motivating members to stay with the program, and to achieve much greater results than the typical health club work out.

In addition, no article about new and intense training facilities can leave out the many CrossFit Gyms in San Diego. These are hard core multi faceted body toning classes, with constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. In other words, you do a little of everything in order to achieve a balanced result. If you can buy into the somewhat fanatical elements of these facilities, you will certainly achieve tremendous results.

You should also consider Yoga Classes

And lastly, let’s not leave out Yoga. Not a typical body toning work out, you still achieve great benefits to your body and mind. If you haven’t experienced a Yoga class, you will be surprised at the workout you get, and the peace of mind that comes from this ancient art. Vastly different than a kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu class at Victory MMA, but still a worthy exercise.

So get off your “chair” and try out the multitude of great gyms in San Diego. No matter what you choose to do, it will be a personal victory. It’s time to tone that body, relax your mind, increase your life span, and perhaps, be better able to protect yourself in an ever more dangerous world.

Most of these functional fitness oriented workouts not only strengthen your muscles but also trim and tone from the inside out to service your everyday tasks. Get rid of your boring treadmill routine and discover the latest industry revelations in SPX Pilates, Gravity, Zumba, Power Boxing, Muay Thai and more. Start the New Year with a new you, with a little help from ten of our favoriteSan Diego gyms.

Fit Athletic Club is more than just a gym; it's a lifestyle brand that promotes healthy and inspired living, offering the best trainers, group classes, equipment, facilities, perks and parties in the region. With its luxe flagship San Diego outpost located in East Village and two new club acquisitions in North County (former Frog's fitness centers in Solana Beach and Carmel Mountain), Fit caters to every type of fitness enthusiast. Over $2 million will be invested in each new facility to ensure that they, too, reflect Fit's signature aesthetic and offerings: spa-inspired changing rooms, the latest and best new equipment, the addition of in-store and online health food marketplaces, and upgraded childcare facilities and programs. But fear not, Downtowners: in spite of Fit's ambitious plans to dominate the San Diego market, Fit's outdoor pool deck in Downtown San Diego will remain the starting point of many a summer soiree, and the members-only Fit Perx Program (which offers discounts at hundreds of local restaurants, spas and retailers) will only get bigger and better. It's no wonder Fit members love their gym: with incredible staff, unbelievable member benefits, ample opportunities to mingle and every convenience imaginable, Fit is San Diego's premier destination for healthy living. Learn more atfitathletic.com.

Victory MMA and Fitness in Point Loma

Victory MMA and Fitness is the ultimate San Diego sweat-spot for Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, CrossFit classes, professional training and much more. If you’re looking for an alternative fitness exercise, check out the Muay Thai, kickboxing or yoga classes, and if you’re a pro-in-the-making trying to take your fighting skills to the next level, there are plenty of personal trainers to lead you there. Learn more at victorygyms.com.

The secret weapon workout of the Hollywood stars arrived in Hillcrest a few years ago, and it’s continuing to transform bodies today. Known for its high-energy tempo, Barry’s Bootcamp clients enter into a small-sized gym with expert instructors leading them through an intense one-hour workout. The program delivers a power-packed dose of fat burning cardio work on state-of-the-art treadmills, intermingled with powerful sculpting strength training. All Barry’s Bootcamp classes are one hour, and each class includes 25 to 30 minutes of interval cardiovascular routines on the treadmills and 25-30 minutes of strength training using free weights and other equipment. It works for Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez in Los Angeles, and it will definitely work for you in San Diego. Learn more at barrysbootcamp.com. (Main image)

The Bar Method in Point Loma

Unlike aerobics and cross-training techniques of former decades, The Bar Method combines the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely slims and strengthens the entire body. The Bar Method workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles. The class is a one-hour, total body workout that starts with a warm-up, free-weight exercises and push-ups and moves on to intense leg and seat work at the bar, then abdominal work at the bar and on mats. Every exercise includes active stretching and is followed by additional stretching to elongate the muscles just worked. Learn more at barmethod.com.

With an MBA from Seattle University and advanced certifications for both weight training and Pilates, celebrity fitness instructor Sebastien Lagree pioneered the first Pilates Plus Studio in September of 2001 and quickly gained popularity amongst Hollywood's elite. The highly applauded SPX Pilates Plus workout routine has been featured on ET, E! News, Extra, Access Hollywood and has an elite celebrity clientele following including Nicole Kidman, Brooke Burke, Sheryl Crow, Elizabeth Hurley, Ben Stiller and more. This innovative and effective fitness method is the optimal workout for individuals who want to quickly achieve a sleek, defined physique. Largely based on the holistic principles of Pilates, SPX incorporates elements of strength training and cardio regimens not inherent to Pilates to achieve muscle definition faster than traditional Pilates and/or weight training alone. Best of all, these incredibly efficient and effective classes take as little as 40 minutes. Learn more atpilatespluspb.com.

La Jolla Sports Clubin La Jolla Catering to the La Jolla community, the Sports Club is located just blocks from the beach on Fay Avenue in downtown La Jolla Village. From trend-setting group classes and fitness programs to serene spa services, adept physical therapy, and even childcare, La Jolla Sports Club offers the best of the best to its dedicated members. Try some of the most popular classes, ranging from adult fitness and cardio sculpt, to body conditioning, Pilates, yoga, spin, cardio kickboxing and Zumba. Learn more at lajollasportsclub.com.

With multiple gyms throughout San Diego County, Chuze Fitness is one of the most accessible and most affordable choices for your workout regimen. Top-of-the-line machines will get patrons buff while tanning beds get you bronzed and hydro-massage machines rejuvenate your body. The gym started in Carlsbad in 2008, and continues their family-owned and operated growth through San Diego County and into Tucson and Orange County. Personalized trainers can help you reach your goals effectively and group classes offer a variety of ways to shape up, including Zumba, barre, yoga sculpt, kickboxing and cycling. Value memberships start at just $9.99 per month. Learn more atchuzefitness.com.

Aire Urban Performance in downtown San Diego Aire Urban Performance is a San Diego fitness club of seasoned athletic and wellness experts with real world experience there to help you accomplish your goals—whether you’re a competitive athlete training for a triathlon or a fitness novice wanting to drop two dress sizes. With five exercise boutiques under one sleek, urban roof and 120 classes per month, you can mix and match classes—Pilates, TRX, spinning, yoga, and cycling—as you prefer. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, Aire Urban Performance Co Operative features a 1,650 square foot group exercise room, 1,500 square foot strength and cardio center, Pilates reformers, CycleOps Cycling, indoor rowing, as well as a treatment room, café, and full-service locker rooms with showers. Learn more at airesd.com.

The high-powered indoor cycling studio trend took San Diego by storm. The studio upgrades the cycling experience with state-of-the-art equipment paired with high-energy music and visuals, as well as upscale amenities like complimentary water bottles and clean towels. Located in La Jolla, they encourage fitness fanatics to “ride outside the box” and transform your workout into a highly-addictive, fun experience. Each workout is approximately an hour long in a studio with modern amenities and state-of-the-art equipment. Learn more at breakawaycycle.com

Broadway Athletic and Swim Club is now open in downtown San Diego, boasting 16,000 square feet of luxury fitness equipment and amenities. The full-service gym offers a wide range of group training classes, ranging from cardio dance and barre, to super spin, yoga boot camp, zumba, pilates and more. On the floor, check out high-tech advances in state-of-the-art equipment. More perks include a spa-inspired locker room with steam, sauna and showers, a spacious outdoor sun deck and lap pool, and free wi-fi. Broadway Athletic and Swim Club is now open on West Broadway. Learn more at broadwayathletic.com

*Listed monthly dues rates are discounted for military and other qualifying groups, and are less than advertised. All monthly memberships include a reasonable joining fee, and require a "30 Day Notice" to cancel. Pay the monthly dues up front for 9 months and get 3 months free. Discounts and free offers are for local residence and new members only, and may not be combined. Money back requests must be made within 10 days of joining. By forwarding an inquiry to Victory MMA the sender agrees to receive correspondence via email, text, phone, or any other method.